Everton Close to Signing Samuel Eto'o on Two-Year Deal

Everton are reportedly close to signing former Chelsea striker and now free agent Samuel Eto'o.

According to the Guardian, the Toffees are close to agreeing a two-year deal with the Cameroon international, as Roberto Martinez looks to bolster his striker force before the end of the summer transfer window.

Eto'o joined Chelsea last summer from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala but was released this summer even though he was the best striker in the Blues' squad last year. The Cameroonian also had a falling out with manager Jose Mourinho, after the latter was caught mocking the striker's age.

The 33-year-old striker was also linked to Everton's arch rivals Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but the Reds dropped interest in the striker following the capture of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.

Eto'o, who was the highest paid player in the world during his time in Russia, took a considerable pay-cut to join Chelsea, but was still earning a six figure salary. It is now understood that he has agreed to lower his demands yet again, as Everton are not capable of paying him as much as the other clubs. However, he is in line for a sizeable signing on fee due to his free agent status.

According to the Daily Mail, the former Inter Milan striker has agreed a deal and travelled to Merseyside for his medical and it is claimed that the Goodison Park outfit are keen on completing the deal by Wednesday.

Eto'o was linked with a move to Ajax earlier in the summer, but it is believed that he rejected a move to the Eredivisie champions as he wanted to stay in England and prove to former manager Mourinho that he is able to continue playing at the highest level.